3 Hurt In Suspected DUI Crash Outside Downtown LA Cafe

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A suspected drunk driver in his 20s was arrested early Saturday after he crashed into cars and a cafe, injuring several people standing outside in Downtown L.A.

The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. near South Spring and 7th streets, according to the LAPD.

Two men were leaving a night club in the area when the owner of the car helped his friend, who had had too much to drink, into the passenger seat, police said. They said the two had been kicked out of the club because the drunken friend was acting up.

Before the driver could get into the car, the passenger jumped to the driver side, enabled the vehicle’s push-button start, and drove off.

The suspect headed south on Spring Street, where he hit several cars parked north and south of 7th Street before ramming into a fence at L.A. Cafe, located at 639 S. Spring.

Several people standing outside were hit by flying debris and injured. At least three people were taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. He has not yet been identified.